Devin Hester adds to legend with another TD

Devin Hester didn't allow an ankle injury or an illness that had kept him out of practice all week stop him from producing another electrifying play Sunday at Soldier Field.

The All-Pro return specialist brought back a punt 82 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter, extending the Bears' lead to 20-0 en route to a 37-13 romp over the Lions.

"It gave us a big lift," said receiver Earl Bennett. "We preach a lot about special teams. Devin came out and gave us all he had with a sore ankle."

Hester's touchdown came after he circled back to catch Robert Malone's 60-yard punt over his shoulder. Hester dropped the ball, picked it up, stutter-stepped as a few tacklers approached and then dashed to his left, picking up blocks by Dom DeCicco, Craig Steltz and Nick Roach.

Hester then raced around Malone, tiptoeing along the sideline before cutting back and breaking a tackle attempt by linebacker Justin Durant at the 9.

Malone, who had just signed with the Lions this week to replace the injured Ryan Donahue, apparently wasn't trying to punt the ball to Hester.

"We tried to sideline that ball," said Detroit coach Jim Schwartz. "But have you ever played golf? You try hitting the fairway, don't you? Goes in the woods. You're going to make par on the 18th hole to win a major championship and yet you put it in the woods. It doesn't always go where you want."

With the touchdown, Hester extended two of his NFL records; he now has 17 combined kick return TDs and 14 punt return scores. He also became the top punt-returner in league history with a 12.96-yard average, surpassing Bears Hall of Famer George McAfee (12.78).

Hester exited the game in the second quarter with the illness that had bothered him during the week.

"He was a little under the weather," said coach Lovie Smith. "When you have a long return like that, that didn't help the case any either. But he'll come back ready to go."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagobears.com)